CHI Health Flags Postpartum Depression in 1 in 8 New Mothers

1 articles · Updated · NTV · Aug 20

Grand Island-based CHI Health is urging earlier screening for postpartum depression, saying the condition affects about 1 in 8 new mothers and often goes unrecognized.
Up to half of cases go undiagnosed because sadness, anxiety and exhaustion are often dismissed as a normal part of new parenthood, providers said.
CHI Health clinicians said postpartum mental health problems can begin during pregnancy, appear around delivery and continue through the first year after birth.
Treatment can include therapy, medication or both, with combined care often helping fastest and reducing relapse risk; family and friends can also support mothers by checking in and encouraging professional help.